General Chat

I do hope that the scenes there aren't going to be repeated elsewhere :-(

I think we need to take a step back rather than knee jerk reactions.

Unfortunately it was bound to happen. Let's hope the Hungarian border forces don't resort to lethal action. It could happen if those on the Serbian side manage to break through.

The way things are going there is a danger we'll have a Fortress Europe.

Hungarians should hang their heads in shame - we didn't treat them like that when they were fleeing from the Russians in 1956 - we welcomed them with open arms, as did other countries

Many European countries cannot cope - even Germany is pirouetting on the migrant dancefloor.

Has Hungary threatened that it may use "lethal" action? I am shocked if they have.

I think Russia in the mid 50s and the current situation are two entirely and absolutely different scenarios.

Det, I thought it could happen, but hoping it wouldn't :-(

I don't think the refugees/migrants did themselves any favours though Ann by throwing rocks and setting fire to tyres.

probably not, but there are lots of small children with them

A new generation is in Government Ann. After goodness knows how many years under a communist rule, they are worried they will lose their identity. Their current argument is that Serbia is a 'safe' country where refugees should have applied for asylum.

There is going to have to be an awful lot if goodwill if the EU is going to cope with the current crisis. People still see themselves as citizens of their seperate countries, not citizens of a Eurpoean Union with all goals the same.

Precisely Lynda - and the fact that there are children with them says it all, really.

I realise that, but 1956 is not that long ago - we had a Hungarian girl living with us for over a year and many others settled here in Cardiff - I wonder what they think of it all

Even more reason Not to scare them more by lighting fires and throwing rocks :-(

No errol - the Hungarians haven't suggested they would. It only needs one frightened police or serviceman to fire and there could be even more of a disaster.

BBC24 this afternoon had an interview with a Hungarian official. He was saying the migrants tried to rush the 'gate', and were using children as human shields. Of course we only have his word for it, but there must have been some element of truth in his statement. I can believe the 'gate' was rushed.

1956 is almost 60 years ago! Quite a long time in my book.

Throwing rocks etc etc is hardly a diplomatic approach which is conducive to an open arm policy in anybody's book, surely?

I have only cynical thoughts in my head about the situation - which is undoubtedly going to escalate :-(

I am not fully understanding the actions of the refugees - if they are genuine and just want to be safe they have that now, but they just seem to want more and more.

I daren't express my more cynical thoughts ;-)

A mob trying to break down Border Defences? Tear gas? Water cannon? Rocks?
Chiicken and Egg!

Like it or not, the Open Borders are supposed to be within the EU. As far as I'm aware, Serbia is not a full member. Therefore Hungary is within its rights to have physical barrier.

Crowd control is very rarely achieved with water cannon and tear gas though is it, barriers make for more violence, or accidental deaths. For those of the migrants/refugees who are fleeing men with guns ( and I acknowledge not all are ), being faced with men with guns is likely to make things worse not better.

Better to 'divide and conquer' after they have crossed borders rather than have an angry, fearful, frustrated crowd all gathered in one place?

From the Hungarian point of view, they were being overwhelmed by the sheer numbers wanting to enter their country.

The water cannon etc was to try and force the mob away from the fence, or at least retreat a bit.

DetEcTive - I think you are referring to the Schengen accord which is absolute rubbish anyway seeing as Britain does not adhere to it - unless it suits as far as sharing of info is concerned.

That's the one!

Added - in recent weeks Austria, Germany and err Denmark? have temporarily closed their borders because they were being overwhelmed.